Softwr

Machine Learning · head to head

Stata vs Weka

Stata logo

Stata

Machine Learning

Data science software for research professionals

From
$48/year
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Weka logo

Weka

Machine Learning

Collection of machine learning algorithms

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Weka has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Stata the entry Stata/BE edition is capped at 2,048 variables and 798 independent variables in a model; Weka the package management system needs an internet connection to download and install packages, so an air-gapped install gets only the core distribution
  • They diverge on capability: Stata covers Statistical analysis, Weka covers Classification.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Stata and Weka actually diverge.

Attributes where Stata and Weka differ
AttributeStataWeka
Starting price$48/yearFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionopen-source
Free tierNoYes
Founded19851993

Identical on both: platforms (Linux, Mac, Windows), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Machine Learning).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Stata

  • Statistical analysis
  • Data management
  • Graphics
  • Econometrics
  • Survey analysis
  • ODBC
  • Excel
  • SAS

Only in Weka

  • Classification
  • Regression
  • Clustering
  • Association rules
  • Feature selection
  • Java
  • R

Both cover

  • Python
  • Linux support
  • Mac support
  • Windows support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Stata

  • Statistical analysis and data analysisnot Weka
  • Econometric modelingnot Weka
  • Biostatistics and epidemiologynot Weka
  • Academic and research data analysisnot Weka

Weka

  • Teaching and exploring classic machine learning algorithms through a GUInot Stata
  • Running data mining experiments and preprocessing without writing codenot Stata

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Stata

  • The entry Stata/BE edition is capped at 2,048 variables and 798 independent variables in a model
  • Raising the variable limit to 32,767 requires Stata/SE and 120,000 requires Stata/MP
  • Stata/MP is licensed by core count, so 2 core and 4 core licences are priced separately
  • Student licences require proof of enrolment at a degree granting institution
  • Stata/MP is not sold on a 6 month student term
  • Perpetual student licences cost several times the annual price, for example $298 against $94 for Stata/BE

Weka

  • The package management system needs an internet connection to download and install packages, so an air-gapped install gets only the core distribution
  • Weka is split into a stable 3.8 branch that receives only bug fixes and compatibility-safe upgrades and a 3.9 development branch that may receive features that break compatibility
  • Weka requires a 64-bit Java VM; the bundled installers ship Bellsoft OpenJDK 25 per platform and architecture

Pricing, plan by plan

Stata

$48/year
  • Stata/BE$48/year
    • Basic edition
    • Core features
  • Stata/SE$295/year
    • Standard edition
    • Larger datasets

Weka

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • All ML algorithms
    • GUI and CLI
    • Java API

Which should you pick?

Choose Stata if

  • You need statistical analysis.
  • You work on Linux, Mac, Windows.
  • You also want data management.
Stata review

Choose Weka if

  • You need classification.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Mac, Windows.
  • You also want regression.
Weka review

Questions people ask

Is Stata or Weka better?
Neither clearly leads. Stata starts at $48/year and Weka at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Stata or Weka?
Weka has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $48/year for Stata and Free for Weka.
Does Stata or Weka run on more platforms?
Both run on Linux, Mac, Windows, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use Weka for free?
Yes. Weka has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Stata starts at $48/year.
What is Stata best used for?
Stata is most often used for statistical analysis and data analysis, econometric modeling, biostatistics and epidemiology, academic and research data analysis. Of those, statistical analysis and data analysis and econometric modeling are not what Weka is typically brought in for.
What can Stata do that Weka cannot?
Stata covers Statistical analysis, Data management, Graphics, Econometrics. Weka covers Classification, Regression, Clustering, Association rules. Both handle Python, Linux support, Mac support, Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Stata: How much does Stata cost?

Stata does not publish specific pricing on its website. Customers must use the 'Order Stata' or 'Request a quote' functions to obtain pricing. StataNow is available as a subscription option, but specific monthly or annual costs are not displayed publicly.

Source
Weka: What is the cost of Weka software?

Weka is provided at no cost as open-source software released under the GNU General Public License, making it freely available for download and use.

Source
Stata: What are the differences between Stata editions?

Stata offers multiple editions including Stata/BE and Stata/MP, with different capabilities and performance characteristics. Edition selection affects pricing, but specific comparisons and costs require requesting a quote.

Source
Weka: Are there commercial licensing options available?

Yes, the project offers information about commercial licenses for organizations requiring non-GPL terms, which can be found in their commercial applications documentation.

Source
Stata: Does Stata offer a subscription model?

Yes, StataNow is offered as a subscription option that delivers new features immediately upon release. However, specific pricing for StataNow subscriptions is not published on the website.

Source
Weka: What support resources are available to users?

Multiple support avenues exist including comprehensive documentation, frequently asked questions, dedicated help resources, and access to courses for learning the platform.

Source
Weka: Is source code access provided?

Yes, developers have full access to source code through the Git repository, along with development documentation and code credits for contributors.

Source
Share

Related pages

More on Stata

More on Weka

Keep looking

Other head to heads